Game Playing Apparatus

Abstract

A game playing apparatus includes a plurality of handsets, each of which has at least two operating buttons. The apparatus further includes a device for receiving an input signal identifying the correct sequence in which the buttons of each handset must be pressed, a device for determining from the input signal whether the buttons of each hand-set are pressed in the correct sequence and a device for transmitting at least one control signal identifying at least the handset having the buttons that are the first to be pressed in the correct sequence. The game playing apparatus conveniently allows for a plurality of players to compete against one another in, for example, a general knowledge quiz game.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
   
   
       26 . A game playing apparatus, comprising:
 a plurality of handsets, each handset of said plurality of handsets including at least two operating buttons;   means for receiving an input signal identifying a correct sequence in which said operating buttons of each said handset must be pressed;   means for determining from said input signal whether said operating buttons of each said handset are pressed in the correct sequence; and,   means for transmitting at least one control signal identifying at least the handset having said operating buttons that are first to be pressed in the correct sequence.   
   
   
       27 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 26 , wherein said at least one control signal identifies each said handset whose buttons are pressed in the correct sequence. 
   
   
       28 . The game playing according to  claim 27 , wherein said at least one control signal identifies an order in which a last operating button press of each said correct sequence is pressed. 
   
   
       29 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 26 , wherein each of said handsets includes:
 means for independently receiving said input signal;   means for determining from said input signal whether said operating buttons of said handset are pressed in the correct sequence; and,   means for transmitting at least one respective control signal accordingly.   
   
   
       30 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 29 , wherein said input signal either comprises, or is derived from, a signal incorporated into either audio or video data. 
   
   
       31 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 30 , further comprising:
 an optical data storage disc having said audio or video data is recorded thereon; and, a   a DVD player and a television in combination with one another for accessing said audio or video data recorded on said optical data storage disc.   
   
   
       32 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 31 , wherein each handset is re-configurable for, and therefore capable of, associating at least one control signal therewith, appropriate for controlling said DVD player with which said handsets are to be used. 
   
   
       33 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 31 , wherein said optical data storage disc is authored for presenting a menu comprising a plurality of hidden menu buttons selectable according to a control signal received by said DVD player. 
   
   
       34 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 33 , wherein said optical data storage disc is authored so that, where a plurality of control signals are received, at least one hidden menu button of said plurality of hidden menu buttons is selected according to an order in which said plurality of control signals are received. 
   
   
       35 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 30 , further comprising means for receiving said audio or video data as a television or radio broadcast, via a radio-frequency, cable, satellite or internet link. 
   
   
       36 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 26 , wherein each of said handsets communicates with a processing hub comprising:
 means for receiving said input signal;   means for determining from said input signal whether said operating buttons of each handset are pressed in the correct sequence; and,   means for transmitting at least one control signal accordingly.   
   
   
       37 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 36 , wherein said input signal either comprises, or is derived from, a signal incorporated into either audio or video data. 
   
   
       38 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 37 , further comprising:
 an optical data storage disc, on which said audio or video data is recorded; and,   a DVD player and TV combination with one another for accessing contents recorded on said optical data storage disc.   
   
   
       39 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 37 , further comprising means for receiving said audio or video data as a television or radio broadcast, via a radio-frequency, cable, satellite or internet link. 
   
   
       40 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 26 , wherein each said handset includes up to four said operating buttons, said input signal identifying one to 24 possible sequences in which said operating buttons of each said handset are capable of being pressed. 
   
   
       41 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 26 , further comprising up to four said handsets, a unique control signal associated with each said handset having at least one respective infra-red control signals associated with four directional menu-navigation buttons of a remote control handset of a DVD player. 
   
   
       42 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 26 , wherein said at least one control signal includes a coded sequence of control signals. 
   
   
       43 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 42 , wherein said coded sequence associated with each said handset includes a pre-determined respective number of repeated control signals associated with one of four directional menu-navigation buttons of a DVD remote control handset. 
   
   
       44 . The game playing apparatus according to  claim 42 , wherein said coded sequence includes a binary sequence having a combination of respective infra-red control signals associated with two directional menu-navigation buttons of a DVD remote control handset. 
   
   
       45 . A method for playing a game, comprising the steps of:
 presenting a list of data items;   transmitting a signal corresponding to a correct order of said data items;   receiving said signal as input;   determining from said input a correct sequence in which at least two operating buttons of a handset must be pressed;   determining whether the operating buttons of each of a plurality of handsets are pressed in the correct sequence; and,   transmitting at least one control signal identifying at least the handset having the operating buttons that are first to be pressed in the correct sequence.   
   
   
       46 . A source of audio or video data, comprising a list of data items along with a signal corresponding to a correct order of those data items. 
   
   
       47 . The source of audio or video data according to  claim 46 , wherein said signal is substantially masked by said audio or video data. 
   
   
       48 . The source of audio or video data according to  claim 46 , further comprising an authored optical data storage disc. 
   
   
       49 . Software for creating audio or video data, comprising a list of data items and a signal corresponding to a correct order of said data items. 
   
   
       50 . The software according to  claim 49 , wherein said audio or video data is created in a form wherein said signal is substantially masked by said audio or video data.